Balfa brothers-La Valse Criminel

The Balfa Brothers (or Les Frères Balfa) were an American cajun music ensemble. Its members were five brothers; Dewey on fiddle, Will on fiddle, Rodney on guitar, harmonica, and vocals, Burkeman on triangle and spoons, and Harry on Cajun accordion.

The brothers first played together at family gatherings in the 1940s. Along with Hadley Fontenot, an accordionist and acquaintance of the family, they made their first recordings in 1951. The 78rpm single was "La Valse de Bon Baurche" b/w "Le Two Step de Ville Platte", recorded at their house. After this Dewey went on to a successful solo career, recording on his own and with many ensembles.

Adopting the name Balfa Brothers in 1967, Dewey, Rodney, Will, Hadley Fontenot, and Dewey's daughter Nelda started touring folk festivals and European venues, playing Cajun music at a time in which its impact on American music had largely been forgotten. They made their first new recordings that year, and played at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

They released several albums and appeared in the 1972 documentary Spend it All. Over time they experimented with blending traditional Cajun music with more modern orchestral sounds. They continued together until 1979; that year Rodney and Will died in an auto accident. In 1980 Dewey's wife died of trichinosis. Following further lineup changes, the group continued under the name a few years later, and an ensemble continued to perform even after Dewey died in 1992.

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[Chaduke]

I know the family personally and can vouch for the fact that it would not have offended them. They aren't racist in the slightest.

[loup501]

i like this music im from Rodckland Ontario et je suis francais



[Hadding1933]

@zenchoctaw What the hell does performing at the Mexico City olympics have to do with racial views? Total non sequitur.

[Hadding1933]

Openmindedness? Accepting the official Federal propaganda about race is what you call openmindedness? Cajuns have continued to exist by not being like that.

[zenchoctaw]

@Hadding1933 It says, the Balfa Brothers, in the history notes below the picture of 'the two little girls', played at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. So I don't think they would have been offended, but possibly by your comment. All you got to do is click on where it says "Show more" and it reveals their information which appears to have them with more openmindedness than you give them credit for.

[Hadding1933]

Why do you have a photo that pushes race-mixing with this good Cajun music? It probably would have offended the performers.